Effects of variety on chemical composition, in situ nutrient disappearance and in vitro gas production of spineless cacti

Abstract

This study determined the chemical composition, in situ ruminal nutrient disappearance and in vitro gas production kinetics of three cactus varieties grown in northeastern Brazil. The varieties were Gigante, IPA-20 and Miúda. Results of the chemical analysis showed no significant differences in ash, ether extract, crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fibre (NDF) between the cactus varieties. However, acid detergent fibre was highest (P < 0.05) for IPA-20, intermediate (P < 0.05) for Gigante, and lowest (P < 0.05) for Miúda. Fractionation of carbohydrate and true protein based on rates of ruminal degradation indicated that the main carbohydrate component was the rapidly degradable fraction, whereas the main true protein component was the intermediately degradable fraction. No differences in carbohydrate or protein fractions were observed between the cactus varieties. Results of the in situ experiment showed no differences in ruminal dry matter (DM, average 803 g kg −1 of DM), CP (900 g kg −1 of CP) and NDF (611 g kg −1 of NDF) disappearance between the three cactus varieties after 48 h of ruminal incubation. Potential gas production at the end of 48 h of incubation was higher (P < 0.05) for Gigante than for the Miúda or IPA-20 variety. However, rate of gas production and lag time in gas production were similar for the three cactus varieties at 6.8% h −1 and 0.6 h respectively. Our results showed little or no differences in chemical composition or ruminal nutrient degradabilities between the three cactus varieties.

Study of the variability, correlation and importance of chemical and nutritional characteristics in cactus pear (Opuntia and Nopalea)

“…Most of the values found in this study is in line with those reported in the literature (Batista et al, 2003;Bensadón et al, 2010;DubeuxJunior et al, 2010;Guevara-Figueroa et al, 2010;Silva et al, 2012;Chahdoura et al, 2015).…”

“…Bensadón et al (2010), studying the nutritional value of cladodes of Opuntia ficus indica, varieties Milpa Alta and Atlixco, found no difference between them in DM, CP, EE, MM, CF and PC. Furthermore, Batista et al (2003), studying the chemical composition of cladodes of two varieties of the genus Opuntia (Giant palm and IPA-20) and one variety of genus Nopalea (Small palm) also reported no difference among them in relation to DM, CP, EE, MM, NFE, P, Mg, Fe, Cu and Zn. However, the researchers reported significant differences among these genotypes for Ca and Mn contents.…”

In vitro rumen fermentation kinetics of diets containing oldman saltbush hay and forage cactus, using a cattle inoculum

“…The forage cactus contains high levels of pectin (Batista et al, 2003), which contributes to a greater production of acetate. Lower gas production is observed when propionate is formed, due to the absence of CO 2 production.…”

<b>Fresh or dehydrated spineless cactus in diets for lambs

“…The spineless cactus occupies a prominent position due to its productivity, nutritional value and distribution in the Brazilian semi-arid. Batista et al (2003) nutrients (TDN) for spineless cacti of the genera Opuntia and Nopalea. Spineless cactus can preserve its nutritional value over a long period; it can be harvested or left in the field for up to four years without impairing its quality and yield.…”